Marlene Schiappa, the French Minister for the Social Economy and French Associations, has sparked controversy after appearing on the cover of Playboy magazine to promote a 12-page interview she did on women's and LGBT rights.
Schiappa, who has been a government minister since 2017, has long been an advocate for women's rights, including spearheading France's first-ever sexual harassment law. However, her decision to pose nude for the magazine has drawn criticism from some of her own party members, including French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne.
Borne reportedly expressed concerns over Schiappa's appearance on the cover, stating that it was "not appropriate" during this time. This move has further strained relationships between the two women and their respective parties.
The controversy comes as France is facing a social and economic crisis, with widespread protests against the government's pension reform plans. The issue of policing and street harassment remains a pressing concern for many French citizens, and Schiappa's stance on these issues has been widely praised.
However, her decision to appear in Playboy magazine has raised eyebrows among some in the public eye, particularly given the timing of its publication. Sandrine Rousseau, a Green Party politician and women's rights activist, stated that Schiappa was "behind a smoke screen" by making this move.
Meanwhile, French politician Jean Luc Mélenchon criticized both Schiappa's appearance and President Emmanuel Macron's decision to give an interview to children's magazine Pif Gadget. Mélenchon argued that France is experiencing a crisis of leadership and that Schiappa and Macron's actions only serve to exacerbate the problem.
Schiappa has responded to her critics, stating that she will continue to fight for women's rights and control over their bodies. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin came to her defense, calling her a "woman of character" who is not afraid to express herself.
Schiappa, who has been a government minister since 2017, has long been an advocate for women's rights, including spearheading France's first-ever sexual harassment law. However, her decision to pose nude for the magazine has drawn criticism from some of her own party members, including French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne.
Borne reportedly expressed concerns over Schiappa's appearance on the cover, stating that it was "not appropriate" during this time. This move has further strained relationships between the two women and their respective parties.
The controversy comes as France is facing a social and economic crisis, with widespread protests against the government's pension reform plans. The issue of policing and street harassment remains a pressing concern for many French citizens, and Schiappa's stance on these issues has been widely praised.
However, her decision to appear in Playboy magazine has raised eyebrows among some in the public eye, particularly given the timing of its publication. Sandrine Rousseau, a Green Party politician and women's rights activist, stated that Schiappa was "behind a smoke screen" by making this move.
Meanwhile, French politician Jean Luc Mélenchon criticized both Schiappa's appearance and President Emmanuel Macron's decision to give an interview to children's magazine Pif Gadget. Mélenchon argued that France is experiencing a crisis of leadership and that Schiappa and Macron's actions only serve to exacerbate the problem.
Schiappa has responded to her critics, stating that she will continue to fight for women's rights and control over their bodies. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin came to her defense, calling her a "woman of character" who is not afraid to express herself.
i mean, i get it she's all about women's rights and stuff but timing is everything, right? 
she's literally trying to promote her work on women's rights while also being featured in a risqué mag... its kinda confusing. 
anywayz gotta give it to schiappa for still being bold and unapologetic tho 
On one hand, I think Schiappa's stance on women's rights is admirable, but on the other hand, I'm not sure if this move was necessary or just a publicity stunt. 
. She's been a trailblazer for women's rights and this is just another step in the fight for equality 
. The fact that some of her own party members are criticising her for it says more about their narrow-mindedness than anything else 
. Schiappa's got a point - she can't be held back by what others think, especially when it comes to something as personal and important as her own body 
. I'm all for her keeping on fighting the good fight, even if that means ruffling a few feathers 
.
It's just not the right message, you know? And now her own party is against her... it's like, what was she thinking?! 
Anyway, I'm all for Schiappa fighting for women's rights, but maybe not in the most... interesting way? 
! Like what's next? Minister Jean-Luc Mélenchon doing a Playboy spread too? 
. And poor Borne having to deal with this drama... the PM needs to focus on fixing France's pension crisis instead of worrying about Schiappa's mag cover 
I'm not sure what's more surprising about this whole situation... Marlene Schiappa being the first female minister to pose nude for Playboy 
. It just feels like a bit of hypocrisy, you know? 
. But at the end of the day, Schiappa is still fighting for some really important causes and I think that's what matters most 
. And let's be real, if anyone can use their platform to promote equality and challenge societal norms, it's a woman like Marlene Schiappa 
.
. Maybe this whole controversy will be a wake-up call for everyone involved